10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
-Psalm 33:10
Lisa and I were having a conversation the other day about God "thwarting" our plans. (Based off of Psalm 33:10 the idea of God "thwarting" the plans of those He loves. (The peoples)) I told her that I didn't really feel like God had ever "thwarted" a plan of mine. (Changed directions, pointed out a newer/ better alternative or maybe steered me another way, but to my mind "thwarted" was more like: being blocked at every turn.)
Well be careful what you ask for... (not that I remember asking, but maybe it was time for an object lesson none-the-less) so last night/ this morning, I felt thwarted. Blocked at every turn. Planes can't get in. bam. Trains are all booked, Bam. Driving will suck the life and soul right out of you and make you miserable most of the week and it's icy and snowy, BAM. So while we pursued the different routes there seems to be a reason for us to stay here this Christmas.
We'll see what comes.
~B.
As I spent a few moments looking at Ps. 33:10 on blueletterbible.com, I'm not sure "thwarts" (NIV) or "frustrates" (NASB) are really talking about how the Lord responds to His children He cherishes. Seems like that refers more to the heathen in the context. Like you said, I think our Father often redirects our paths. I must say, though, that I think you and Lisa are one of the most redirected couples I know of. I think that is because God has great things for you to do: "For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and scourges every son whom He receives." You have spent the last couple of years being instructed (disciplined) by the Lord. Owen Hollingsworth always told me that he felt God had something very special in mind for you two.
ReplyDeleteAll that said, I was not a happy camper last night upon finding out that God had closed the door on your visit. I hope that He will show you His purpose for this redirection soon, but, honestly, I know that doesn't always happen. It's the lesson of trust--He will do what is best for you.
We really miss not having you here, but know there will be another time. (Lord willing, of course!) Dad and I pray that your Christmas will be VERY special and new--that folks will reach out to you and help you feel at home in your new town.
We miss you!!
Love,
Mom
I at first thought it was refering to the heathen nations, but I looked at the word for "the people" and it says it's a word that means a collection of people from a common root, typically in the bible it is used of the Israelites or of the Nation of Israel. (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5971&t=NIV)
ReplyDeleteI think the general dislike of the phrase is the subtext that we put with the term "thwart" or "foil". In actuality isn't that the Holy Spirit's job in our life? To "thwart" and "foil" sin in our lives?
It seems to me that this verse is just pointing that out in a bigger scale, and saying that God cares enough about His people (us and Israel) to "thwart" and "foil" our plans when they will either do us harm or He has a better plan for us.
We've already had some people reach out to us. While we are disappointed I have to remember that God is just as much in control here as He was in my sickness/health.
~B.
Regarding the last sentence--very, very true!!!
ReplyDeleteA Biblical interpretation debate, right on Ben's blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI personally feel like God is thwarting my will whenever my plans don't work out (which he is - letting me know that his plans are both different, more powerful and much superior to my plans!).
As a "child of strong will" (as my mom would say) I can get very frustrated when this happens, but I'm continually learned to both accept God's will and glorify him! Ben is more laid back when it comes to making plans, so he has experienced the feeling of "thwartedness" much less than I have.
Being conformed into the image of God is not an easy process for any of us. The learning to yield and releasing our desires into His hands must be different for all temperments. Ben does come from a laid back family. We tend to flex because we don't like the pain of breaking.
ReplyDelete